Newcastle player ratings in Mainz loss: Botman impresses, but Almiron struggles

Martin Dubravka – 7 (60, replaced by Pope)

Having replaced Nick Pope off the bench last time out, Dubravka started. With Pope likely to be no.1, he needed a good display and got it in the first half – making two excellent saves. But should have done more with goal.

Kieran Trippier – 6 (60, replaced by Krafth)

Looks back to full fitness after a lengthy injury last season after joining Newcastle. Unlucky not to see a free-kick nestle in the top corner, a deflection taking it over. The Toon captain for the game was aggressive, and looked sharp.

Sven Botman – 9 (60, replaced by Lascelles)

Comfortable in possession, but at times his pace was required and showed it – making a good block after a Joelinton mistake following a Mainz corner. Solid in the air, very comfortable with the ball at his feet. Good block in second 45.

Fabian Schar – 7 (60, replaced by Burn)

Schar is fighting to partner Botman come the start of the season. Either him, Jamaal Lascelles or Dan Burn. The Swiss star was excellent, perhaps his ability on the ball was the most eye-catching thing – spraying a lovely pass to Fraser.

Paul Dummett – 5 (30, replaced by Ritchie – Ritchie replaced by Targett)

Dummett’s time at Newcastle is surely coming to an end. While it was a pre-arranged substitution, Newcastle have Matty Targett and Ritchie – the latter well-liked by Eddie Howe. He struggled to show why he should be kept.

Sean Longstaff – 8 (60, replaced by Shelvey)

Following on from his goal against 1860 Munich, Longstaff looked good. Some lovely passes in behind, including one to Almiron in the first half – and a couple of interceptions. There is a real chance he could enjoy his best season yet.

Bruno Guimaraes – 7 (60, replaced by Anderson)

Some lovely touches as expected from arguably Newcastle’s best player. Even a nutmeg. But at times, the ex-Lyon man did struggle to get involved as much as Longstaff. Nevertheless, when given the chance, he did well.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images Joelinton – 5 (60, replaced by Willock)

Gave the ball away on a number of occasions and a poor touch after a corner allowed Mainz to get in behind, only for Botman to make a block. Expect a lot more from him after such a brilliant turn around in form since Howe arrived.

Miguel Almiron – 4 (60, replaced by Murphy)

Really struggled to get involved. When he did get a chance to do something, the £10m-rated man took the safe option. Real chance for a first-time cross into Wood at one point, but took a touch onto his left, wasting the chance.

Ryan Fraser – 4 (60, replaced by Saint-Maximin)

Battled hard, but Fraser is some way off the quality of Allan Saint-Maximin. Like Almiron, had the chance to deliver in the first half but turned and passed the ball out of play. Poor pass to Joelinton during break in second half.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images Chris Wood – 5 (60, replaced by Wilson)

Little involvement with the game largely bogged down in midfield. But the New Zealand ace did have a couple of chances – one he blazed over the bar, the other after good work from Trippier, but he was offside.

Other notable performances: Emil Krafth – 7 (30)

With Trippier first choice, the Swede needs to show why he can compete. He did just that in his 30-minute outing, up and down the wing, solid in the air. Lovely cross into Murphy to score inside six-yard box, but he fluffed his lines.

Elliot Anderson – 7 (30)

Returning after an impressive loan at Bristol Rovers, the talented youngster started against 1860 Munich. He got 30 minutes on Monday, and looked excellent on the ball, making some nice runs and linking up well with teammates.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

In other news, Director says Crystal Palace in talks to sign Real Madrid target worth £42m